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mg1942 · 2009-12-19, 19:04

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34470910...s_and_animals/

Briefly, a neighbor shot and killed a family's dog when it wandered onto his property. He was convicted of animal cruelty, but the family also sued him in civil court. In most states, animals are considered property so you can only successfully sue to recover economic damages, such as the market value of the animal. However, the market value of an adult, mix breed dog is essentially nothing. But the family is arguing their pet is worth more than that because of the emotional attachment.

Is a pet just property? A family member? Something in between? Does it matter how attached to family is to the pet?

2009-12-19, 19:04	Link #5133
mg1942 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008	Court to decide if pet dog is just property http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34470910...s_and_animals/ Briefly, a neighbor shot and killed a family's dog when it wandered onto his property. He was convicted of animal cruelty, but the family also sued him in civil court. In most states, animals are considered property so you can only successfully sue to recover economic damages, such as the market value of the animal. However, the market value of an adult, mix breed dog is essentially nothing. But the family is arguing their pet is worth more than that because of the emotional attachment. Is a pet just property? A family member? Something in between? Does it matter how attached to family is to the pet?